The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member.

Their debut single "Killing an Arab" (1978) and debut album Three Imaginary Boys (1979) were important records in the development of the post-punk and new wave movements that developed in the wake of the punk rock scene in the United Kingdom. During the early 1980s, the band's increasingly dark and tormented music was a staple of the emerging style of music known as gothic rock.

Following the release of the album Pornography in 1982, the band's future was uncertain. Smith was keen to move past the gloomy reputation his band had acquired, introducing a greater pop sensibility into the band's music. Songs such as "Let's Go to Bed" (1982), "Just Like Heaven" (1987), "Lovesong" (1989) and "Friday I'm in Love" (1992) aided the band in receiving commercial popularity. The band is estimated to have sold roughly 27 million records as of 2004 and have released thirteen studio albums, ten EPs and over thirty singles to date.

"The Caterpillar" is the name of a 1984 single and song written by Robert Smith and Lol Tolhurst. The song is performed by The Cure and is from their album The Top. It reached number 14 in the UK and 51 in Australia.

12"

"The Caterpillar" (3:40)

"Happy The Man" (2:45)

"Throw Your Foot" (3:32)

Personnel

Robert Smith - vocals, guitar, bass, violin

Andy Anderson - percussion

Lol Tolhurst - keyboards

Phil Thornalley and Porl Thompson appear in the music video, but do not contribute to the song.